The New Style

Classic: Best, model and characteristic. Representative, simple, vintage.
 

 These are just a few examples taken from the brand new Topshop, J.W Anderson line.
I thought a post about this fresh and upcoming designer would be interesting, due to his classic AND eccentric style, which is a brave approach for someone trying to stand out, in the ever changing fashion industry.
His 'classic' pieces appeal to everyone, with inspirations from the standard 'white shirt', 'V-neck jumper' to 'simple loafers'; appearing as very much a 'schoolgirl' theme. In my opinion, basics like these, never go out of fashion, and it is refreshing to see a new quirky designer such as Anderson going back to good old fashion roots.

 This being said, this Northern Irish designer also brings us a more vibrant and eccentric side to his new line. It's unusual to see a designer having such dramatic opposites within a single line, which is another reason why I think this is so interesting. Although Anderson does incorporate the current 'paisley' fashion into his line, he puts his own spin on these bizarre patterns with clashing colours and a quilted effect. Along with this he adds his own unique prints including the zebra print you see above, and these adorable kitten print jeans!

If you want to read a bit more into Anderson's inspirations, or even a little bit more about him himself, there's an article about him in this season's Topshop magazine (cute to flick through for all the other A/W 2012 trends too!), just thought I'd do a super quick post on this before tea!

Enjoy

Cat   x

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Health: Physical, mental wellness. Complexion, energy, fitness, state.

For those of you who know me, you will have come to terms with the fact that I'm bit of a 'health freak' as such. Although this use to be a serious problem for me, now I have learnt to control it and sensibly ensure that I am eating healthily, exercising regularly and not being excessive in either of these things.

With years of calorie counting and label reading, I like to think that now I'm quite the expert at knowing where to find those hidden, empty calories, and where to find the ones that you need!

This last week, with not having a great deal to do, I've been thinking over my 'health' routines and how I've improved them over the years. The one thing that sticks out in my mind is the change from not eating breakfast, to eating breakfast. I use to skip this meal, thinking it was an easy one to avoid, with the hectic bustle in the morning to get up and out for college, work etc... however, without fail, by midday I'd always either have a headache, feel sick, feel tired and really want to do nothing but go home and go to bed - unfortunately not an option during A levels!

So this encouraged me to begin eating breakfast again, if only to help me during my exams! Now that I eat breakfast in the morning, I feel brighter, livelier and generally more energetic right up until evening. I'll be honest, I don't eat a huge amount, but I eat enough to make me feel alive during the day.

So these three items are a 'rushed off your feet in the morning' person's heaven. A black coffee (25 calories with one sugar) with a juicy ripe orange (60 calories) and a packet of Belvita Breakfast Biscuits - which contain all the nutrients and fibre of your regular cereal! (200 per 4 biscuits).

There you have a nutritious, filling breakfast that can be eaten in a matter of 5 minutes (don't scold yourself on the coffee though ;) with less than 300 calories, that will keep you going till your tuna butty at lunch!

This was a bizarre post, I won't be a fitness/health blog I promise; I was just inspired by my delicious, speedy breakfast this morning! I'm aware how 'uncool' this post is, but I though I'd impart my wisdom that BREAKFAST IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY.

Sorry for preaching :) But a good diet makes you look fabulous.

Enjoy your day!

Cat    x

I Fought the Law

Psychedelic: affecting the mind as to produce vivid visions, chromatic, flash, intense, kaleidoscopic

So, as most people would agree, I believe that the 1960s were a turning point in so many aspects of humanity. Technology, politics, science, fashion and music.

It is safe to say that the 1960s saw the introduction of some of the most influential (and at this point, still largely underground) 'Rock n Roll' artists, from Hendrix to the Rolling Stones; Bob Dylan to Led Zeppelin. This continued the popular 'look' of the 50s biker and leather hype.

 Also in the 60s, and probably the most well known element of this era, was the increased recreational drug use within groups, referred to as 'hippies'. With this came the use of psychedelic patterns, bright colours, flowers and bizarre shapes within fashion.

With the constant recycling of fashion, it is easy to see how stylists are inspired by specific eras, and why most of our favourite items of clothes can be traced back to a previous decade.

For example, these are the latest addition to my wardrobe, a pair of Skinny Cigarette paisley trousers bought from Topshop (£40). The paisley pattern again, can be traced back to the 60s and the psychedelic style of the hippies. These are perfect as a statement item of clothing within your wardrobe, without being too in your face. Team these with a tucket in tight fitting black tank top, black heels and some dark nail varnish for a night out; or some brogues a light coloured tank top and a black blazer for that 'Alexa Chung' casual look.
I pair mine with this perfect leather gilet; again from Topshop (£42).

This creates a great combination of the 'hippie 60s' look and the more alternative 'biker' look. Add a splash of a dark nail varnish such as this Topshop (£5) nail polish in 'Utilitarian' to finish off the 'edgy' look.

So there you have it. Most new fashions derive from old fashions, and with a bit of thought, it is so easy to make these current and unique.

 Cat   x

The Beginning is the End is the Beginning.

 Beginning: Start of an event or action. Creation, birth, genesis, introduction.

Hello! Well, where to start? I'm an 18 year old girl with too much time on my hands, hence the creation of a brand new blog! Welcome to 'Life in Cat's Eyes'. I have had a blog before, so I'm not brand new to blogging; yet the old one was rather 'high school' and to be frank, not very good.

A little bit about me
As I mentioned, I'm an 18 year old student, about to begin a new chapter in my life at Lancaster University reading Law. New chapter in life, new blog; why not? I work at Topshop, I love animals, I'm a vegetarian and I'm addicted to Tomato Ketchup. I have a beautiful best friend (check her out here) and a top notch boyfriend.

A little bit about my blog
I'm not yet sure what 'type' of blog mine will be, however from working at Topshop, I do love experimenting with styles, fashion and beauty. I like to think I'm not a religious follower of current trends, instead I like to take inspiration from them and add my own 'edge' to them. I quite like the edgier, 'darker side' (if you will) of fashion, and I'd like to portray some of that in my blog.
Saying that, I don't intend to make this a 'fashion blog' as such. Toooo many of those out and about. I will simply post what I fancy, when I fancy. Sometimes fashion posts, other times life posts. I also love love LOVE music, so maybe a few of those will slip in too ;)
I purely want a blog that I love and hopefully other people will too. Enjoy.


Cat

  x